Porsche Boxster (2012 – 2016) Review
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Porsche Boxster (2012 – 2016) At A Glance
All-new Boxster is lighter and more economical. Returns a claimed 36mpg. Good looking redesigned interior. Even better to drive than before.
Optional extras can quickly push the final price up.
Think Porsche and you more than likely think of the iconic 911. But the fact remains that if it wasn't for the Boxster, first launched in 1996, Porsche probably wouldn't exist in the shape it does today.
The Boxster is the car that brought the famous German brand to a much wider audience and since then the company has gone from strength to strength.
This is now the third generation of the open top sports car and although it doesn't look hugely different than its predecessor there are some key differences. Compared to the 911, Porsche is able to take a few more liberties with the styling of the Boxster and this all new model gets a sharper and more aggressive look than before.
Key design features include more pronounced side air intakes and larger alloy wheels - 18-inch on the Boxster and 19-inch on the Boxster S - as standard. It's a great a looking car, especially when viewed from the back with that prominent edge that runs across the back between the rear lights. This also houses the neat pop-up spoiler.
The key strength of the Boxster is that it's such a useable car everyday. It's just as happy sitting in traffic in London as it is on the motorway or thundering down a quiet back road. The ride is amazingly smooth and serene, the gear changes are light and easy plus it's even easy to park. Yet make no mistake. This is a bona fide sports car that handles just like a Porsche should.
Reviews for Porsche Boxster (2012 – 2016)'s top 3 rivals
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Porsche Boxster (2012 – 2016) handling and engines
- Engines range from Boxster to Boxster GTS PDK
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 23–40 mpg
The new Boxster gets a traditional Porsche flat-six engine which produces that unique sound and feel. The standard Boxster has a new 2.7-litre engine replacing the 2.9-litre in the previous model, It may be smaller but power is actually increased to 265PS - an extra 10PS - while both economy and performance improve.
But it's the Boxster S which is the real star. It uses the same 3.4-litre engine as before but it's been further improved. Power is up from 310PS to 315PS while 0-62mph now takes just 5.1 seconds. Yet economy is also better, improving from 29.7mpg to 32.1mpg.
While the Boxster is quick, the Boxster S takes things into a different league. The engine is incredibly responsive, remember there are no turbochargers here, while it's amazingly rapid from pretty much any speed.
But of course the big question is, what is it like to drive? Well the answer is simply one word - exceptional. Porsche has always been a cut above other sports cars when it comes to handling and the new Boxster continues this tradition. It may be an 'entry-level' model in the Porsche range but it feels just as special as the more expensive 911.
The fact it's mid engined means it's superbly balanced and it corners with superb reassurance. There's immense grip while it rarely struggles for traction either. It's very forgiving too and feels less intimidating than the rear-engined 911, giving you plenty of confidence to drive it quickly. And at the same time putting a huge smile on your face.
This new Boxster is not only longer and lower than before, it also has a longer wheelbase. This means more space inside but more crucially, improved handling and stability. Thanks to the extensive use of lightweight materials such as an aluminium bonnet and doors it's around 35kg lighter but also 40 per cent stiffer which helps the ride quality.
It comes with a new electro-mechanical steering system and often the introduction of these systems means a big drop in steering feel, but there are no such problems with the Boxster. It's as responsive as ever with plenty of feedback and great presicion in corners. To further enchance the handling there's the optional Porsche Torque Vectoring system (or PTV for short).
This basically imitates a rear differential by gently braking the inside wheel as the car enters and exits a corner while at the same time sending more power to the outside wheels. The effect is that you don't need as much steering input through bends and there's better traction on the way out. If you want to get the most out of your Boxster it's worth the extra money.
The other popular option on the Boxster is the PDK gearbox. This seven-speed double clutch automatic may seem better suited to the likes of the Cayenne and it had a mixed reception when it was first launched in the 911. But Porsche has extensively redesigned it, so it now provides more aggressive and faster changes when you press the Sport button. It's still smooth and sedate at low speeds though so it's ideal if you spend a lot of time in traffic.
There's a manual mode so you can change gear using the steering wheel mounted paddles while heavy braking results in faster downshifts at higher engine speeds, with a nice blip of the throttle inbetween each shift. The PDK also means better economy (35.3mpg in the Boxster S) and faster acceleration.
If you go for the optional Sports Chrono pack which includes launch control, the Boxster S PDK will do 0-62mph in just 4.8 seconds.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boxster | 34 mpg | 5.8 s | 192–195 g/km |
| Boxster GTS | 31 mpg | 5.0 s | 211 g/km |
| Boxster GTS PDK | 34 mpg | 4.9 s | 190 g/km |
| Boxster PDK | 36 mpg | 5.7 s | 180–183 g/km |
| Boxster S | 31 mpg | 5.1 s | 206 g/km |
| Boxster S PDK | 34 mpg | 5.0 s | 188 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Porsche Boxster (2012 – 2016)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
91%
Real MPG
23–40 mpg
MPGs submitted
43
Porsche Boxster (2012 – 2016) interior
- Boot space is 280 litres
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4374–4404 mm |
| Width | 1978 mm |
| Height | 1273–1282 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2475 mm |
It's the interior where this Boxster is most notably different from the old model. It's been completely redesigned and echoes the Panamera and latest 911 with a high central console and a quality seven-inch touchscreen to control the stereo and sat nav. There are plenty of buttons, there's no BMW-style iDrive controller here, but it's easy to work out what everything does.
The Boxster now gets an electric parking brake too, which frees up space, while the overall quality along with the fit and finish have been even further improved from the high standards of the previous Boxster. There are also changes to the electric hood.
As before it's a fabric roof which means it is light weight, but there's no longer a handle to undo before you retract it. And putting it down takes just nine seconds (which can be done at up to 30mph) with a very smooth mechanism.
With the roof up, which in the UK is how it will spend the majority of its time, there's less noise than before thanks to a new layer of Thinsulate - the thermal fabric used in outdoor clothing. In fact according to Porsche sound levels have been cut by half. With the roof down it is quite blustery, more so than a BMW Z4 for example, but this only adds to the sports car feel.
Porsche Boxster (2012 – 2016) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4374–4404 mm |
| Width | 1978 mm |
| Height | 1273–1282 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2475 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1330–1375 kg |
| Boot Space | 280 L |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Servicing | 20000 miles |
| Spare Wheel | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Tyre-repair kit | ||
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £40,108–£56,778 |
| Insurance Groups | 43–46 |
| Road Tax Bands | I–K |
| Official MPG | 31.4–35.8 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | - |
| Roadster | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Convertible 2.7i 2dr | £40,108 | 33.6 mpg | 5.8 s |
| Convertible 2.7i Black Edition 2dr | £46,719 | 33.6 mpg | 5.8 s |
| Convertible 2.7i Black Edition Pdk 2dr | £48,634 | 35.8 mpg | 5.7 s |
| Convertible 2.7i Pdk 2dr | £41,885 | 35.8 mpg | 5.7 s |
| Convertible 3.4i Gts 2dr | £54,577 | 31.4 mpg | 5.0 s |
| Convertible 3.4i Gts Pdk 2dr | £56,778 | 34.4 mpg | 4.9 s |
| Convertible 3.4i S 2dr | £48,563 | 31.4 mpg | 5.1 s |
| Convertible 3.4i S Pdk 2dr | £50,335 | 34.4 mpg | 5.0 s |
Model History
- January 2012: New Porsche Boxster arrives in the UK
- March 2014: Boxster GTS launched
- May 2015: Boxster Black Edition goes on sale
January 2012
New Porsche Boxster arrives in the UK
On sale in spring 2012 offering open-top driving enthusiasts a new generation of the benchmark roadster. The Boxster has an all-new lightweight body, new flat-six engines with direct petrol injection, a completely revised chassis and evolutionary styling.
Considerably lower weight, a longer wheelbase, widened track and larger wheels significantly enhance the driving dynamics of the mid-engined sports car. These attributes, combined with many other new features including electro-mechanical power steering, result in the new Boxster not only offering superior performance but also up to 15 per cent greater fuel efficiency.
The styling of the 2012 Boxster has shorter front and rear overhangs, significantly forward-shifted windscreen, a flatter silhouette and expressive edges. Inside, the passengers are enclosed by a new fully electric hood, which now dispenses with a compartment lid for the convertible top when stowed. The interior design offers the driver and passenger more space and reflects the new Porsche outline, while the distinctive centre console – originating in the Carrera GT – further improves ergonomics.
The new generation Porsche roadster made its debut in the classic Porsche pairing of Boxster and Boxster S. Both derivatives are powered by charismatic flat-six engines with direct petrol injection, the efficiency of which is further enhanced by electrical system recuperation, thermal management and start/stop function.
The new power unit fitted in the Boxster delivers 265 hp (195 kW) from a 2.7 litre displacement – 10 hp more than its larger capacity predecessor. Technically, it is now based on the 3.4-litre engine of the Boxster S. The 3.4-litre now delivers 315 hp (232 kW), 5 hp more than before. Both models feature a manual six-speed gearbox as standard, with the seven-speed dual-clutch Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) available as an option.
Both models achieve their best fuel consumption and acceleration performance with the PDK. Fuel consumption for the Porsche Boxster with PDK is 36.7mpg, and 35.3mpg for the Boxster S. With gear changes achieved without interruption to the flow of power, the Boxster sprints from 0- 62mph in 5.7 sec, the Boxster S in just 5.0 sec.
To enhance the driving dynamics further, the Sport Chrono Package option is offered on the Boxster, featuring Dynamic Transmission Mounts for the first time. Also new in the Boxster is the option of Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) with a mechanical rear limited slip differential.
Built in Zuffenhausen, Stuttgart, the new Porsche Boxster will go on sale in the UK from April 28. The Boxster is priced from £37,589, and from £45,384 for the Boxster S.
The Boxster features an Alcantara interior, 18-inch alloy wheels, Auto stop/start and Sports mode, remote control hood operation, audio CD with 7-inch colour touch-screen control, a universal audio interface offering MP3 connectivity and a three year warranty.
The Boxster S adds 19-inch alloy wheels, partial leather interior and Bi-Xenon headlights in addition to the power advantage of the larger 3.4-litre engine. All new Boxster customers can also explore the potential of their car by participating in a complimentary course at the Porsche Experience Centre, Silverstone.
March 2014
Boxster GTS launched
Building on the proven Boxster virtues of light weight, responsive handling and a charismatic flat-six engine, the GTS features an optimised version of the proven 3.4-litre engine which has been tuned to produce an additional 15PS. The Boxster GTS thus develops 330PS and pulling power has also increased by ten newton metres to 370Nm.
Further emphasising the distinctive character of the GTS is the Sport Chrono package and Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), fitted as standard. These offer the driver the opportunity to not only modify the damper stiffness, but also subtly change the throttle characteristics of the engine. In conjunction with the optional Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) seven-speed double-clutch transmission, the Launch Control function – engaged via the Sport Plus button - enables the Boxster GTS to accelerate from 0 - 62 mph in 4.7 seconds, 0.3 secs quicker than the standard Boxster S PDK.
With the standard manual six-speed transmission, the GTS is the first Boxster to offer the potential to top the 174 mph (280 km/h) threshold. The new GTS is also the company’s first mid-engined roadster to be certified according to the Euro 6 emissions standard, and achieves an overall fuel consumption with PDK of 34.4 mpg (31.4 mpg with manual transmission).
The dynamic engine mounts also offered as part of the Sport Chrono package enable the Boxster GTS to offer an impressive breadth of responsiveness. Under acceleration, cornering or braking, the mountings for the engine stiffen automatically to reduce the effects of mass transfer during dynamic manoeuvres, further increasing agility.
The Boxster GTS can also be specified with a new, optional sports chassis configuration that lowers the ride height by 20 mm, underlying the fact that at the heart of every Porsche is a race car suitable for both the circuit and everyday use.
From the outside, the new Boxster GTS features subtle yet unmistakable visual clues to its identity. Purposeful black finish 20-inch diameter Carrera S alloy wheels, with 235/35 tyres at the front and 265/35 tyres at the rear, give a strong hint to the car’s intent. A distinctively-styled front spoiler and black finish Bi-Xenon headlights – with the Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS) as standard – present a new face, and from the rear exterior lettering in silky black gloss and a re-styled lower apron complete the picture.
The new Boxster GTS is available to order now priced from £52,879, and will be arriving in Porsche Centres in the UK and Ireland from May 2014.
Standard equipment on the Boxster GTS includes Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), Sport Chrono package with dynamic transmission mounts, black finish 20-inch diameter Carrera S alloy wheels, black finish Bi-Xenon headlights with Porsche Dynamic Lighting System, leather/Alcantara interior, Sports seats Plus with powered adjustment, air conditioning, CD audio system with seven-inch touch-screen, universal audio interface offering MP3 connectivity, automatic headlight activation, auto stop-start function, ‘Sport’ button, front electric windows, powered fabric roof with heated glass rear window, floor mats, top-tinted windscreen and a three-year warranty.
May 2015
Boxster Black Edition goes on sale
The combination of black paintwork and black partial-leather interior emphasises the timeless elegance of the mid-engine design. Standard equipment on the Boxster Edition models includes Porsche Communication Management (PCM) with navigation module and mobile phone preparation module, Park Assist front and rear, automatically dimming rear-view mirrors, rain sensor, cruise control and Sport Design steering wheel.
The two-seater roadster is powered by an emotive 2.7-litre flat-six engine offering 265PS, which is mid-mounted in the chassis for optimal driving dynamics and responsiveness.
The colour concept remains consistent with the soft top and roll-over protection bar also finished in black. And the standard wind deflector helps to limit turbulence when the electrically-operated soft top is lowered.
The 20-inch Carrera Classic wheels and bi-Xenon headlights with Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS) are further distinctive highlights. The driver and passenger can enjoy a higher level of personal comfort with the two-zone climate control and heated seats with the Porsche Crest embossed on the head restraints – perfect for open-topped motoring all year round. Also ensuring entertainment in all weathers, the sound system in the Boxster Black Edition is the high-quality Sound Package Plus. The Boxster Black Edition goes on priced from £46,164.
What to watch out for
Late model Porsche ECUs record how the car has been used, in particular if it has ever been over-revved. So vital to see a readout of an interrogation of the ECU before buying a used Boxster.
04-05-2019:2014 Porsche Boxster 2.7 PDK entry model needed new transmission at 18,000 miles.
15-10-2019:Report of crazing of headlights od 2013/63 Porsche Boxster S 981 model. Porsche blamed the Ph of car shampoo despite actually recommending cleaning the lenses with washing up liquid, which is what the owner had done. A pair of replacement lights costs £2,615.35 including VAT and Porsche offered to reduce the cost to £1,295.47, inc VAT. Further reports of the same thing can be found at : https://www.planet-9.com/threads/headlight-cracks.216649/ And: https://www.porscheclubgb.com/forum/tm.aspx?m=1037052/ And: https://rennlist.com/forums/991/821002-micro-cracks-on-headlight-2.html/ And: http://www.boxa.net/forum/topic/78269-headlamp-scratches-cracks-and-delamination/
Useful information received about tyres on Porsche Boxster 981s. The model suffers significantly from tyre 'skipping' when on hard lock. Reader recently changed the wheels from 20-inch to 19-inch with Pirelli P-Zeros to improve the drive. At that time the wheel alignment, which was out by quite a bit on the front, was adjusted. Owner was offered a free alignment check within a one month window. A month later the alignment was checked again, to discover it was out on the same front nearside corner, as previously. No pothole impact over the last 30 days to cause an alignment/tracking issue. The Tyre Centre says the problem is linked to the Pirelli P-Zeros that are slow to heat up, exacerbating the tyre 'skipping' phenomenon common to Porsche. They suggest if owner changed the front tyres to Michelin Pilot Sport 4S the 'skipping' would be significantly reduced or eradicated altogether.
